Metallic Leaf Beetle vs Large Alderfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Leaf Beetle Large Alderfly
Scientific Name Chrysolina polita Sialis nigripes
Order Coleoptera Megaloptera
Family Chrysomelidae Sialidae
Size 6-9 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Metallic Leaf Beetle

A medium-sized beetle with richly burnished copper-red to bronze elytra and a metallic green to blue pronotum. The contrast between thorax and elytra colors makes it easily recognizable.

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Did You Know?

This beetle is unusual among leaf beetles in being most active during autumn and winter, with adults sometimes seen walking on mild winter days.

Large Alderfly

A relatively large alderfly with dark wings and black legs found near rivers in eastern North America. Adults rest on streamside vegetation during the day.

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Did You Know?

Alderfly larvae breathe through feathery gills along their abdomen and a single long tail filament that acts as an additional gill.